Folding machine



July 13, 1926. E. B. ROBY FOLDING MACHINE original Filed July 11, 191'? 4 Sheets-Shet 1 E, B. ROBY FOLDING MACHINE July 1K3 1926 1y ll, 1917 4 sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Ju ATTORNEY July 13 1926.

E. B. ROBY FOLDING MACHINE July 13l 1926. f 1,592,045

E. B. ROBY FOLDING MACHINE Grgnal Filed July 1l, 1917 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 @dumb @69.74%

Patented .lr-ily i3, i925. A f

Unire srres les EDWARD B., ROBY, OF TROY, NEW' YORK, .ASSGNR TO STANLEY M. STONE, OF

COOES, NEV YORK.

FOLDING MACHINE.

Substitute fopapplication Serial No. 179,853, filed .Tilly l1, 191'?. This application filed may 2G, 1923i. Serial No. 642,723.

This invention relates to folding machines of the character adapted4 to fold, or turn the edge parts of moistened fabric blanks over and around a die-plate, of any suitable ccntour, and heating and pressing said blanks; the objects of the invention being to provide meanswhereby the blanks are rapidly prepared for delivery to sewing machines, and to conserve time and labor in the process of vmanufacturing collars, cuits or analogen-s articles requiring turned edges.

Folding machines of the character named comprise inwardly slidable folders, a downwardly and upwardly movable cross-head and die-plate, a heated upwardly and downwardly movable bed-plate and Vmeans for operating said parts. rThis application is a substitute for my abandoned application Serial No..179,853 filed July 11, 1917 for folding machine.

In carrying out myv invention, I employ novel parts and operating means therefor which are 4simple and durable in construction,'automatica lly operable, anc assembled corelatively in such manner, that a minimum of motive force andinitial manual labor is required 'for their successful subsequent automatic operation, all as hereinafter full described and specifically set forth in the annexed claims. Y

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, Figure l is a front view, partly in vertical section, of my improved folding machine. Fig. 2 is an end view of the upper part of the machine. Fig. 3 is a plan view. Fig. l is a cross sectional elevation taken on the line l-fl of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a detail vertical sectional view, drawn on an enlarged scale, showing` the means for operating the folders. Fig. 6 is a detail cross sectional view taken on theV line of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a detail sectional plan view taken on the line of Fig. l. Fig. 8 is a verticall section taken on the line 8-8, of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a vertical section taken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8.

In the example of my invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings A, represents a fraaie-work of adaptable design and construction for supporting the several parts comprising my invention, and having rough its top plate aan openin,D i .l

.mandating upwardly and movable bed-plate B, which is heated by means of an insulated high resistance conductor Z), which is in electrical connection with a source of supply X.

Fixed on a vertical central line beneath the top plate a, is a cylinder C, for the accommodation of a reciprocating piston l), having a piston rod d, which passes through the head c, of the cylinder and is fixed to a supplemental rod or extension e. Said extension e, is in connection with a reciprocating piston E, located within an oil-containing cylinder F, secured to the frame-work A, and located in vertical central alignment beneath the cylinder C, the oil in the cylinder F, acting as a cushion to prevent jarring or pounding of the piston D.

Resting on a spiral springf, supported by means of a laterally extended collar G, and adjustably secured to the rod e, is a yoke H, having upwardly extended arms z, which are respectively provided with a shoulder or stop i, for engagement beneath the head c, of the cylinder C, to limit the upward stroke of the said yoke. This yoke is adapted for operating the` bed-plate B, by means of rocking levers I, which are fulcrumed on pins l, of extensions 2, of the frame-work A, and connecting bolts J, extended upwardly from opposite ends of the yoke H. Each rocking lever I, is provided with a bifurcated end part j, having laterally extended therethrough a rotatable pin 7c, having a screw-threaded opening leading therethrough, and each bolt J, is provided with a screw-threaded upper end part which is in threaded engagement with its respective pin c. The levers I, at their outer ends are each provided with a rollerbearing 3. The bed B, is directly supported by means of plate springs 4 extended outwardly from the levers l, and adjustably xed by means of set `screws 5. l

Pivotally secured between integral extensions m, of the cylinder head c, is a lever K, having a downwardly and inwardly extended bifurcated end part carrying a revoluble roller n, which bears within a cam-like re.- cess 6, formed in the piston rod (Z. rlhe lever K, also has a bifurcatcd outer end tiro'ugh vwhich, is extended a 'pin 7, Aengaga slot 8 of a link Said lever F, is

" s se e prevded wit ment with a curved presser bar hereinafter described. Said lever K is normally held in position shown in Fig. 4, ot the drawings by means ot a spiral spring 10, which is secured at its upper end partI to an eye 1l, ot the lever K, and atits lower end to an l2, fixed to the lower part ot the frame-work A,

Located diametricall),7 opposite the lever K, and in pivotal engagement betwen e3;- tensions mf, for the cylinder' head c, is a similar lever M, carrying' at its inner end a roller y), for engaging a recess g. ot the rod (l, and at its outer end a link l. which is pivoted to a pin ll. Said lever M, is held in normal position shown in Fig'. ot the drawings, by means o1" a spiral ntf l5, secured at one end to an eye l5, of the lever M, and atthe other end to an eye l?, [ized to the frame-work A.

The links L and ll, are each provided with an upwardly extended part t), having slots Q, for engagement with pins r, ol' levers l?, which are pivoted to depending extensions S, ot the top plate a., t the frame-work A. These levers are respectively provided with a hiturcated outer end part s, and they engage sleeves T. 't' operating folder-plates hercinalrer decrrlbed.

The said sleeves f, respectively engage a reciprocating rod U, which slidahly hears in a bushing, or cylindrical casing' V, adjustably and rotatably mounted in and extended through the top .plate (4, ot the traine-work A. These bushings each have a flange, or extension r, having' a groove therein which engage-s a tongue i0, ot a slide Vf.

Each rod U. is provided at its upper end with an angularly extended part u, which passes through an ang'ularly extended opening; ot its connected slide lll, whereby downward movement ot the rod U, causes the slide to move inwardly on a horizontal plane and upward n'iovement again carries the slide back to its initial position. The rods li, are 'further respectively provided with au adjustable stop y. at the lower end.

The busliingf` V. extend through hnhg a', ot the plate f1. and they may he rotated therein for the purpose ol setting' the slides at a required angle` and held in tixed posi tion by means or the collars 1S and set screws lf).

Each slide ll?. is provided willi a cylindrical boss 20, and said bosses are extended through spiders Q1, which are in adjustable connection with folder plates said plates are connected in pairs h v means ot parallel bars Q3 and linlrs 24, whereby they are allowed independent n'ioven'iert.

Adjustalgly fastened to the tolder plates 22. by means ot bolts Q5, which pass through slots QG, are overlapping intolder-plates composed ot thin sheet metal and ot' any required contour, as QT. 9S, 29 and 30.

Rotatably supported on a shaft 3l, ex-

tended between bearings ot the plate a is a curved presser arm 3, having a bil'urcated and arched extension ill, carrying a set screw 35, and a downwardly extended curved arm 3G, having a shoe 3T, tor engagement with the roller 9, hcreinbelore described. Also swinging on the shalt 3l. is a it'our-arined and curved hanger which carries the cross-head 39 and the die-plate 40. over which the blanlrs are turned.

In rotatable. or swinging engagement with the shalt 3l, is a lever ll, which is in pivotal cir fnicnt with a connecting' rod l2, which cnreares a treadle har Said bar is pivoted to a fixed bearing ii, and has a swinging treadle on the forward end thereof.

rthe presser arn'i Shand its connected part-s are normally held in position shown by dotted lines Fig'. Ll; ol the drawings, and it in tlexihle connection with the hanger 3S, by means ot a spring' i5, and the connecting bolt 4G and nut Ll-T.

Adjustable and swinging presser fingers 'lS, are employed for holding down the plates Q2. at their side parts. and double presser lingers 49, are employed at each end, the spiders 2l, being.r recessed for the accommodation of the lrnohbed end parts ol said presser lingers. Said parts being held together by means ot straps .30, whereby the .spiders 2l and all their connected parts may be simultaneously removed from the machine in compact and attached relative arrangement when it is desired to substitute ditierent shaped dies and folder plates.

The cylinder C, communicates with a valve hof-1 5l by means ot a port which leads into the valve chamber 53, housingT the sliding' valve 54., which is connected to a valve stem Said stem is adjustahly connected to a connecting' rod 5G, which is provided with a collar, or stop 5T, and it is pivoted at its lower end to the treadle har Llil: and a spring' 5P is employed to normally maintain the valve in closed position illustrated by Fig. S oi the drawings.

rllhe compressed air ilor operatingy the pis ton D. admitted through the pipe 50, and exhausted through the pipe (30.

ln the operation and use ot the invention` downward movement olE the pedal into position .shown b v Ytull linesl Vin'. l oi the drawings. operates the presser arni Ill and its connected paris hv means ol thil rod lz?, carrying the die and head downwardly into position shown hy t'nll lines l l. This movement al1-:o operates lhfl valve al. openiin the por( allowig-iu' areeffs ol ron:- pressed air to the cylinder t". over the piston l), and at the saine time closing' the exhaust. rThe downward movement ot the piston D and its recessed rod f7. swings the lever K. upwardly until its roller 9. engages the shoe 3T, to hold the head BS) and its cfinneei'ed din fifi llU

40, down while the folders are being operated. Thus when a blank is placed upon the bed B, the rstV actio-n is to press and holdv it in position. Further movement of the piston D operates the back levers R, through the medium of the. link L, its slot 8, allowing the lever K, to move sufliciently to allow lits roller 9, to engage the shoe 37, before the levers R, start their movement. These back levers R, carry the sleeves T, downwardly until they contact with their respective stops y, further movement of the levers causing the rods U, to move their connectedslides W, and folder plates 27 and 28, over the die, whereby the edges of the blank are turned. The front levers M and their connected front levers R', are then similarly acted upon to operate the. folder plates 29 and 30, to turn the remaining edges of the blanks; the relative difference in length of the recesses 6 and g, allowing the rearward. levers R and their connected parts to operate before the forward levers R. Further movement of the piston D, operates the rocking levers l, to carry the bed B, upwardly to Aheat and press the blanks, through the medium of the yoke H and the rods J, the rollers 3, directly carrying lthe bed B, upwardly.

The retarding action of the oil in the cylinder F, prevents abrupt and jarring movement of the cylinder, whereby ali operating parts move smoothly;

The rotatably adjustable bushings and their slides admit of accurate and variable adjustment of the folder plates for differential and independent movement required for folding blanks of various shapes, and the simplicity of construction of the various partsv and their automatic movements provide a machine of the character described which is very effective and economical of operation.

lt is especially noteworthy that the adjustable stops y, which are threaded to each rod U, admit of accurately gaging the downward movement, or stroke of the said rods, thus permitting a wide range of adjustment and slidable movement for different shaped folder-plates and dies; and the knobbed presser fingers, being removable with the slides and folders admits of their being removed and kept in proper relative arrangement when it is desired to replace them with a new set.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is zi l. ln a folding machine comprising a frame-work, folders, a reciprocating crossheadand die, and a spring-supported reciprocating heated bed, the combination of reciprocating rods having angularly extended parte, slides engaging said parte and means connecting said folders wit said slides, and

lever means for operating said rods, cross head and bed, and an actuating means comprising a reciprocating piston having a recessed 'cam faced piston rod, the recesses of said rod adapted for operating said lever means.

2. In a folding machine comprising an upwardly and downwardly movable crosshead and die, a reciprocating spring-'supported hed adapted to be heated, folder plates, and slides for operating them, and rods each having an angularly extended part for engaging said slides, and lever means for operating said parts, the combination of a power-operated reciprocating piston, a valve device, a cam faced piston rod, and a pedal bar.

3. In a folding' machine the combination,

of a reciprocating spring-supported hed adapt-ed to be heated, folders, and rods having angularly extended parts for operating said folders, and slides for connection with said folders, and a reciprocating head and die, and. swinging means supporting said head and die, and lever means for operating said parts and a treadle bar and treadle; with a power-operated reciprocating piston and cylinder therefor, a piston-rod having two cam faces each having a vertical and a beveled face, said piston rod having an eX- tension, and a piston connected to said eX- tension, and an oil-containing cylinder therefor having an adjustable bypass'for retarding the oil flow, said recessed piston rod operating said lever means.

4. ln a folding machine'the combination of a frame-work, folders, a reciprocating cross head and die, and a spring-supported reciprocating heated bed, with reciprocating and turnably adjustable rods having angularly extended parts, turnably adjustable slides engaging said parts, said slides connected with said folders, and means conecting said folders and slides whereby said folders move back and forth, and lever means for operating said rods, cross head and bed, with an actuating means comprising a reciproca-ting piston having a piston rod mounting cam faces, the cam faces of said rod adapted for operating said lever means.

5. ln a folding machine of the class described, the combination, of a reciprocating head and die, folders for turning the edges of a blank over said die, a reciprocating heated bed, lever means for operating said parts, and a presser for operating said die head comprising swinging curved arms mounted upon acommon shaft and yieldably connected by a spring, one of said arms having a. shoe, for engaging said lever means; with an actuating means comprising a reciprocating piston and cam faced piston rod, said cam faced rod adapted. for operatt ing said lever icneansn 6. In a hanger for a head and die for folding machines, the combination of a curved presser arm having extensions for connection with the die head, and a curved arm having a shoe, and a vieldable connect-ion between said arms, comprising a set screw and spring, said arms mounted and swinging on a common shaft.

7. In a means for operating folders of a folding machine, the coml'iination with a slide and means mounting said slide, said slide having an angularly extended opening therethrough. of a reciprocating rod having an angular-ly extended part engaging said opening means for rotating said slide relative to said rod to adjust its stroke, said slide engaging a folder and driving the same back and forth.

8. In a means for operating folders of a fclding machine the con'ibinltimi, with a turnably adjustable slide and means for mounting said slide, said slide having an angularly extended opening therethrough, of a reciprocating rod l'iaving an angula ly extended part engaging said opening, means for rotating said slide relative to said rod to adjust its stroke and adjustable means on said rod for gaging its thrust, said slide engaging a folder and moving said folder back and forth.

9. In a hanger for a head and die for folding machines, the combination, of a presser arm for connecting with the die head, and an arm extending forwardly over and rearwardly away from said presser arm, said last named arm having a shoe at its free end; with a yieldable means connecting said arms; and pivot means for supporting said arms, whereby swinging motion may be jointly imparted thereto, said yieldable means admitting of slight independent movements of said arm.

10, In a means for operating a head and die for folding machines, the combination, of a presser arm for connection with the die head. and an operating arm extending forwardly over and rearwardly away from said presser arm, said last named arm having a shoe at its free end, and a yieldable means connecting said arms, and a lever, and means on said operating arm for adjustably controlling the swing of said lever, and a depending connecting-rod in pivotal connection with the free end of said lever, said rod adapted for connection with means for operating it, said shoe on said operating arm adapted for contact with lever-means for controlling the movement of said arm.

ll. In a folding machine comprising a frame-work, folders, a reciprocating croi-'s head and die, and a spring supported reciprocating bed; the combination, of reciprocating rods having angularly extended parts, slides engaging said parts, and means connecting said folders with said slides, and lever means for operating said rods and hed, and an actuating means comprisingr a cylinder, valve device and connecting-rods. and a reciprocating piston rod havingl cam faced portions for actuating' said lever means; with a means for hanging and operating said head and die comprising a presser' arm connected to the die head, and an operating arm extended forwardly over and rearwardly awajvv from said presser arm` and a shoe on the free end of said operating arm, and a vieldable means connecting said arms, and a lever, and means on said operating arm for adiustablvcontrolling the swing of said lever, and a depending connecting' rod pivoted to the free end of said lever, said lever, operating and hanging means pivoted on a conimon support; and pedal-operated. i

1Q. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a bed-plate for holding blanks to be folded and pressed. and supporting springs therefor. said springs mounted on levers, said levers having roller bearings; of piston means for operating said levers to impart reciorocating motion to said bed-plate.

1.5. In a machine of the class described. the combination, with a hed-plate for holding blanks to be folded and pressed, and supporting plate-springs therefor, and swinging levers having roller l'iearings, said levers carrying said springs, set-screws for adjustingr said bed-plate, and piston means for operating said levers.

l-l. In a folding machine of the character described, a table having a well, a bed plate in said, well, a die above said bed plate, means for supporting said die for movement towards and away from said hed plate, means for imparting movement to said supporting means, turning plates for folding the edge portions of a blank over the die. and an actuating means for said turning plutot including plungers niovable verticall.v arms irried by said plunger-s, blocks nu vable horizontally7 by said arms, bars connected with said blocks and said turning plates for imparting movementto the latter when the plnngers are moved, and means for moving said plungers.

15. In a machine as characterized, a plurality of converging folding sections; powerdriven means for moving said sections, said means embodying a pluralitl,r of guided sliding heads; and transmission means connecting said heads and said folding sections; and means for changing the angle of movement of said heads.

1G. In a machine as characterized, a pluralitjv` of converging folding sections: power-driven means for moving said sections, said means embodying a plurality of guided sliding heads; transmission means connecting said heads and said folding sections; and means for changing the angle. of movement itil) or said heads, said means embodying arotatable turret having an inclined perforation therethrough and a reciprocating memher terminating in an inclined pin mounted in said perforation and inclined in Correspondence therewith, said pin and perforation being so arranged that pressure applied vertically on said pin results in a cam-like action on said head t0 move the same in the predetermined path thereof.

Signed at Cohoes in the County of Albany and State of New York this third day of March A. D. 1922.

EDWARD B. ROBY. 

